Core Insights - United Airlines and American Airlines are competing for market share at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, with both airlines increasing operations ahead of the summer travel season [1][6] - United Airlines plans to operate a record 750 flights daily at O'Hare, surpassing its nearest competitor by approximately 200 flights, marking the largest schedule ever for any airline at this airport [1][2] - By 2026, United will offer nonstop service to 222 destinations, including 47 international cities and 175 U.S. destinations, which is 38 more than American Airlines [2] United Airlines Operations - Starting in April, United will introduce five new routes from Chicago to various Midwest cities, enhancing connectivity [3] - More than 80 cities will see additional flights from Chicago, including major destinations like Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas, positioning Chicago as United's third-largest hub in the U.S. [5] - United's strategy focuses on building brand loyalty by providing more value to customers, particularly in Chicago, where the airline has invested significantly in its network and hiring [6] American Airlines Operations - American Airlines has also announced new routes from its Chicago hub, including service to Maui, Hawaii, and additional flights to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, South Carolina [6] - The airline is enhancing its operations from Los Angeles but emphasizes the importance of its Chicago hub, which has expanded to over 180 destinations in the past year [7] - Last year, American added service to 29 new destinations from Chicago, including Naples, Italy, and St. Croix, St. Maarten, and plans to offer over 500 peak daily departures for the upcoming spring break [10]

Home Depot said Wednesday it is cutting 800 jobs associated with its Atlanta store support center, and is calling on its corporate employees to return to the office five days a week.In a statement, Home Depot said its “goal is to drive greater agility and position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected with our frontline associates.”In a statement, Home Depot said its “goal is to drive greater agility and position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected with ...

Core Viewpoint - Tesla has agreed to invest approximately $2 billion in Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, enhancing the relationship between the two companies as Tesla positions itself as a leader in autonomy and robotics [1][3]. Financial Performance - Tesla reported revenue of $24.9 billion for the quarter ending December 31, a decrease of 3% year-over-year, but surpassing analysts' expectations of $24.79 billion [3]. - Profit fell significantly by 61% to $840 million during the same period [3]. Market Expectations - Wall Street anticipates Tesla will deliver 1.77 million units in 2026, reflecting an 8.2% increase according to Visible Alpha data [4]. - The vehicle business is facing challenges as competitors introduce newer models at lower prices, and the expiration of a US tax incentive for electric vehicles has impacted sales [4]. Strategic Focus - Investors are increasingly interested in Musk's initiatives in self-driving technology and robotics, seeking evidence that the transition from promise to product is occurring [5][7]. - Tesla is utilizing lower-priced "Standard" versions of its Model 3 and Model Y to attract price-sensitive consumers, a strategy expected to drive growth in 2026 deliveries despite potential margin pressures [5][6].

Core Insights - TJ Maxx is opening its first new store in Manhattan in over a decade, signing a lease for 40,000 square feet at Herald Towers, marking the largest new retail deal in the city for the past two years [1][4] Group 1: Retail Landscape - The majority of recent large retail commitments have been focused on health and fitness clubs, medical clinics, fast food, and educational uses, with very few comparable deals to TJ Maxx's being new openings rather than renewals [2] - The new TJ Maxx store will join other retailers like Old Navy, MooMoo, and IT Italian Trattoria in Herald Square, which is a significant shopping district [3][8] Group 2: Herald Towers and Leasing Details - Herald Towers, which has 110,000 square feet of retail space, is now 95% leased following the TJ Maxx deal, indicating a strong recovery in the area [3] - The building, previously the McAlpin Hotel, was acquired by JEMB Realty in 1999 and has been converted into rental apartments, highlighting the transformation of the property [6][9] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The resurgence of foot traffic in Herald Square, driven by businesses like Macy's, has contributed to the area's retail recovery, although it took until last year for crowds to reach record levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Costco, alleging that the company falsely claims its $4.99 rotisserie chickens are free of preservatives, despite containing sodium phosphate and carrageenan [1][2][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit, initiated by two California residents, accuses Costco of systematically deceiving consumers and potentially cheating them out of tens to hundreds of millions of dollars [1][10]. - The plaintiffs argue that Costco's marketing strategy exploits the growing consumer demand for "clean label" and preservative-free products, leading customers to purchase the rotisserie chickens under false pretenses [4]. Group 2: Ingredients and Health Concerns - Sodium phosphate and carrageenan, the additives in question, are used to retain moisture and improve texture in the rotisserie chickens, and both are approved by food safety authorities [5][6]. - While these ingredients are permitted, they have been linked to health concerns, such as risks for individuals with kidney disease and potential cardiovascular issues [7][8]. - Studies have shown mixed results regarding the safety of carrageenan, with some linking it to inflammation and digestive problems, while others assert that food-grade carrageenan is safe at typical consumption levels [9]. Group 3: Market Impact - Costco sells over 100 million rotisserie chickens annually, making it one of the most popular prepared foods in the U.S. [10]. - The price of $4.99 has remained unchanged for over a decade, despite inflation and rising costs, contributing to the chicken's status as a cult favorite and a strategic loss leader for the retailer [12].

Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius rejected the Trump administration's proposal to relocate the company's headquarters to the United States, emphasizing the company's deep-rooted history in Germany and its global presence [1][3][4]. Company Position - Källenius stated that while Mercedes-Benz is a global company, it cannot be "uprooted" from its origins in Swabia, Germany, where its headquarters are located [1][3]. - The company traces its roots back to 1886, marking the beginning of the automobile industry with the formation of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft [8][11]. Industry Context - The proposal from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reflects the intense competition for capital that European industrial centers are facing [4]. - The Trump administration has utilized tariffs to incentivize companies to expand manufacturing operations in the U.S., impacting various sectors including automotive and technology [5][6]. - Several major corporations, both U.S. and foreign, have announced plans to increase manufacturing capacity in the U.S. since the Trump administration's return to office, highlighting a trend towards domestic production [6][10].

The Fed on Wednesday kept interest rates in the current range, a move that was widely expected in spite of intensifying pressure from President Trump and the criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell.After three consecutive quarter-point cuts in 2025, the central bank maintained rates in the 3.5% to 3.75% range at its first meeting of the year, in a 10-2 vote.Policymakers opted to take a wait-and-see approach after months of weighing inflation risks against unemployment — likely assuaged by recent economi ...

Starbucks reported strong fiscal first quarter as holiday drinks and a viral bear cup helped drive sales.Same-store sales – or sales at locations open at least a year – rose 4% for the October-December period.That was higher than the 2.3% that Wall Street was expecting, according to analysts polled by FactSet. 4 Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said the results were evidence that the company’s turnaround plan is taking hold. via REUTERSSame-store sales in the US were also up 4%, with a 3% increase ...

Amazon’s latest round of layoffs is set to hit 16,000 corporate employees starting Wednesday — with the tech titan suggesting artificial intelligence will do their work, instead.The firings come after Amazon said in October it was laying off 14,000 corporate workers, with the goal of trimming its 1.58 million-strong workforce by nearly 10%.The e-commerce giant has explicitly linked the layoffs to increased use of AI, particularly in corporate and technology functions.“Some may ask why we’re reducing roles w ...

Core Viewpoint - Bank of America is supporting the US government's initiative to create tax-advantaged investment accounts for children by matching contributions and allowing pre-tax payroll deductions for eligible employees [1][3]. Group 1: Bank of America's Initiatives - Bank of America will match the US government's $1,000 contributions to Trump accounts for eligible employees [1][5]. - The bank will allow employees to make pre-tax contributions to these savings accounts for children through payroll deductions [1]. - Earlier in the year, Bank of America announced it would award approximately $1 billion in equity to all employees, excluding senior management, amounting to nearly 19 million shares of stock [3]. Group 2: Government Program Details - A new program under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act allows parents to open tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under 18 with Social Security numbers [2]. - For children born between 2025 and 2028, the US Treasury will seed these accounts with $1,000 [3]. - The government will invest the savings in low-cost index funds, but the Trump accounts do not have the same tax advantages as 529 accounts or Roth IRAs [4]. Group 3: Contribution Limits and Notable Contributions - The GOP's tax-and-spending bill limits account contributions to $5,000 per year, with employer contributions capped at $2,500 annually [6]. - Rap artist Nicki Minaj plans to contribute between $150,000 and $300,000 to help her fans set up these accounts [6]. - Michael and Susan Dell pledged a historic $6.25 billion toward Trump accounts for 25 million American children, equating to $250 per account [7][8].